Someone I know recently said to me, after a particularly frustrating turn of events in her life, “Why do these things always happen to me?” I know the right thing to do would have been to nod my head and say something about how sorry I feel for her. But…
My wife and I were fortunate to take a wonderful trip to Europe to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We met in college and after we graduated we took a backpacking trip in Europe. We hadn’t been back since and the anniversary trip was a wonderful time, filled with many…
A few weeks ago, I woke up and my left hand hurt, specifically the lower half of my thumb down to where it met my wrist. After two weeks of trying to avoid using my thumb in certain ways, it was better, but not all the way, so I went…
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about some catchphrases I like. As I said, I don’t use many, but the ones I use I use a lot. That day I wrote about how “This Too Shall Pass” helps me. Shortly after, a friend sent me this insightful, helpful note: I…
I like catchphrases. I don’t use many, but the ones I use I use a lot. In Six Simple Rules for a Better Life, I wrote about a few. Two examples: Mind Over Mattress, which helped me to get out of bed when I was getting into the routine of…
This post was a popular article in my monthly newsletter, so I wanted to share it here, especially with New Year's coming. At my speaking engagements I ask for examples of common New Year’s resolutions. Nearly every time, “Lose weight,” “Exercise more,” and “Stop smoking,” are shouted out from the…
Rather than waiting until the New Year to begin making changes, just start now. Here are some examples: Can't decide whether to join a board of a local not-for-profit, or to serve homeless at a soup kitchen, or to fund raise for the eradication of a disease? Just pick one…
In my monthly newsletter, I write an article and provide links to the prior month’s blog posts. Earlier this year, after publishing a simple piece on making healthy eating easier, I received the most feedback I’ve ever had. So I’m publishing it as a blog post today. While eating a…
Several times after speeches people have told me things I said (or written in my book) are things they have also learned in AA’s Twelve Step program of recovery: Progress, not perfection. Early on when I was a participant in the Strategic Coach Program®, founder Dan Sullivan preached the importance…
One of the most amazing books I’ve read is The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer (no relation). I’m grateful to my good friend Larry for giving me the book for my birthday last year. The book has a message of extreme positivity & happiness. Here’s my interpretation of my favorite…
Not long after I published Six Simple Rules for a Better Life, I read a book called Willpower, by Roy Baumeister & John Tierney, which had come out the same month. In my book’s introduction, I talk about the importance of breaking down your big goals into small pieces, and…
There are numerous apps to help you to eat better and exercise more, as well as apps to help with habits of all kinds (not just exercise habits). I have not tested them out, so I don't have strong opinion on any, but anything that can help you to be…